Curriculum director to be hired

By Jordan Cohen

NILES — Superintendent Rocco Adduci says the district will hire a curriculum director, a move he adds is supported by the Ohio Department of Education.

“This will really improve our curriculum and help get us out of the state’s Continuous Improvement Program,” Adduci said.

The state put Niles into the program in 2005 because of low testing scores and report cards.

To meet program requirements, the district formed a 30-member leadership committee consisting of representatives from all school buildings, consultants and the state. The committee said a curriculum director is the district’s most urgent need.

“Hiring the new director will help us emerge from the program this year,” Adduci said.

The salary for the job has not been determined, but the superintendent said it will “be equal to or less than the highest paid high school principal.” The top salaried Niles principal earns more than $73,000.

Adduci said money for the position will be available from federal and other school funds. The superintendent expects to post the position next week, and the school board should approve the job description at its June meeting.

Adduci said he will consider filling the position from within the school district.

Before its meeting Thursday at Lincoln Elementary School, the board discussed upgrading the school’s dress code during a work session. One board member, Richard Limongi, was critical of clothing some students wear.

Adduci said student council and members of the National Honor Society will be among the groups asked for input on dress-code changes that would be implemented next school year.